Grethe Bestbier

After 117 years of service, Agrico has become well known for manufacturing beautiful centre

pivots, smart irrigation solutions and rugged farm implements.

But did you know that we also operate a highly successful PVC pipe factory? In fact, with over 30 years of experience, Agrico is currently the oldest remaining supplier of PVC pipe in Southern Africa. Whatever your application, we are experts in balancing upfront costs with energy expenditure, to ensure the most cost-effective choice of pipe for your needs.

Here are eight things to know about Agrico PVC pipe:

1. Agrico manufactures its own PVC pipe range

Agrico manufactures PVC pipe in its fully owned large-scale production facility located in Bellville, Cape Town. We currently produce and sell more than 3 000 km of PVC pipe per year.

An in-house team closely oversees the manufacturing process and ensures that each pipe is subjected to stringent control to ensure quality and longevity.

2. We manufacture the full range of mPVC and uPVC pressure pipes

Agrico currently manufactures PVC pressure pipe with diameters ranging from 20 mm up to 500 mm and operating pressures ranging from 400 kPa up to 2.5 MPa (class 4 to class 25).

The latest addition to the range is pipe with the somewhat less common diameter of 355 mm, which we now manufacture in classes 4, 6, 9, 12 and 16.

Our IsoFlo range of uPVC (unplasticised PVC) pipe is economical, durable, corrosion free and easy to install. It is widely used in a variety of agricultural and industrial applications.

Our IsoTuff range of mPVC (modified PVC) pipe, recently added to the lineup, is manufactured by combining PVC with a toughness enhancing agent, making it resistant to impacts and shocks and allowing a saving in material to be achieved.

Sewerage and drain pipe, manufactured in the same factory and sold in our range as Isodrain, is the latest addition to our PVC family and is used underground in non-pressure applications for the conveyance of sewage and drain water.

3. We also supply many other types of pipe

Whatever your application, we can supply the correct type of pipe, in the diameter and pressure class you need. We supply the full range of uPVC and mPVC pipes in all standard diameters (from 20 mm up to 630 mm) and pressure classes (from class 4 up to class 25).

Along with PVC pipe, we also supply high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pipe, rubber and plastic hoses, flanged and quick-coupling galvanised steel pipes.

4. All our PVC pipes are SANS-certified

Supplying top quality products for your peace of mind is our top priority. That is why all Agrico PVC pipe is certified by South African Technical Auditing Services (SATAS) to comply with the respective SANS-standards.

Our IsoFlo, IsoTuff and IsoDrain pipes conform respectively to the SANS 966-1, SANS 966-2 and SANS 791 standards, and are certified as such.

5. Agrico’s PVC pipes are used for more than irrigation

While Agrico is known for mainly servicing the agricultural market, PVC pipe is used for a variety of consumer, commercial and industrial applications, in a variety of market sectors.

Thanks to its various benefits, such as its resistance to chemicals and corrosion, strength and durability, PVC pipe is suited to different applications. Some of its uses include:

• main water supply lines for many homes, carrying clean water to the home;
• sewage transportation in underground municipal sewerage systems to wastewater
• treatment facilities;
• irrigation systems, as its smooth internal surface reduces fluid friction and facilitates
• high flow rates;
• industrial chemical handling.

6. We’ve changed the colour of our pipe

In response to customer requests, Agrico uPVC pipe has adopted the familiar colours of light blue for uPVC, a darker blue for mPVC, and beige for S&D pipe, making it easy to identify and sell the correct pipe to the end customer.

7. We deliver nationwide and beyond

We carry extensive stock, ready for sale and delivery. With an extensive vehicle fleet we transport our high-quality well-priced PVC pipe across the continent to individual buyers, middlemen and large firms alike.

Thirty-eight branches are stocked and geared to serve you with high-quality components, complete product ranges and all kinds of PVC pipe.

8. Our prices are competitive

Although the cost of PVC pipe has increased in the last five to 10 years, PVC pipe is still more affordable than other types of pipes, while offering an array of benefits.

At Agrico, we understand that the optimal solution has to be a cost-effective one. That is why we offer the best prices on the market. How? In-house manufacturing, extensive inventory and an integrated supply chain allow us to provide customers with reliable yet affordable pipe.

Contact Peter Ker-Fox at sales@agrico.co.za / peter.ker-fox@agrico.co.za or call +27 72 151 9592 for more information. Visit www.agrico.co.za to learn more about Agrico.